The Imo State Police Command has arrested nine criminal suspects in a statewide operation targeting kidnapping, armed robbery and cult-related offences.
During the coordinated raids, the command also rescued a kidnapped victim and recovered three pump-action guns, two AK-47 rifles, a locally made pistol, 31 rounds of ammunition and 37 live cartridges.
According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, the operation was executed in line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, to decisively eradicate violent crime and dismantle criminal networks across the state.
He explained that intensified efforts by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, were key to the breakthroughs recorded. Okoye said officers arrested suspects Odinaka Ekwebelem, Ejike Sunday and Chinedu Duru, who were linked to the abduction of a young man at Faith Glorious Assembly Church, Awo-Omamma, on November 16, 2025.
He noted that operatives, acting on intelligence, tracked the gang to a forest, rescued the victim and recovered two assault rifles.
In another operation, the police arrested a 26-year-old suspect, Frank Onyemaechi of Ama-Asaa, Ngugu in Ikeduru Local Government Area. A search of his mobile phone revealed disturbing images of deceased and kidnapped individuals. A follow-up search led to the recovery of a locally made pistol and the arrest of his wife, 24-year-old Chidimma Onyemaechi, who allegedly attempted to conceal the weapon.
Okoye also disclosed that personnel raided a criminal hideout in Nchoko, Oru East, where they arrested 22-year-old Nkwusi Tochukwu Casmir, 29-year-old Uchenna Ike and 27-year-old Ikwunna David. The suspects, according to the statement, confessed to being members of the NBM cult group operating in the area.
He added that a manhunt is underway for other fleeing accomplices associated with the gang.
“Similarly, while responding to reports of armed robbery and vehicle snatching, operatives confronted another gang attacking motorists at gunpoint. During the suspects’ escape attempt, one driver tragically lost his life after being attacked. The operatives arrested 25-year-old Okon Uket of Akwa Ibom and 25-year-old Uzoma Ezugo of Asaa in Ohaji LGA, while efforts continue to apprehend the remaining gang members.
All arrested suspects will be thoroughly investigated and subsequently arraigned in court on the appropriate criminal charges.
The Commissioner of Police reassures Imolites of the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a safe, secure, and peaceful yuletide season across the State,” the release stated.
The command also urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, advising them to desist from spreading unverified information capable of causing public panic.
